The singer and talk show host Kelly Clarkson is firing back at her father-in-law in court as her divorce with her husband Brandon Blackstock continues.
Back in September, Clarkson’s longtime management company, Starstruck Management Group, which is owned by Brandon’s father Narvel Blackstock, filed a lawsuit against her claiming that she failed to pay over $1.4 million in unpaid commissions from her gigs on her talk show and “The Voice.” Clarkson has since filed a petition to this lawsuit in which she accused Starstruck of violating the California Labor Code.
People magazine reported that Clarkson accused the company of “procuring, offering, promising, or attempting to procure employment or engagements” without obtaining a talent agency license first. The singer and talk show host also claimed that the company did not follow the Talent Agencies Act with examples of failing to submit a written application for a license and failure to write a formal talent agency agreement with her.
Clarkson is now arguing that the 15% commission agreement she had with Starstuck should be “declared void and unenforceable.” She reportedly paid the firm $1.9 million so far this year, and the company alleges that Clarkson will ultimately owe “at least $5.4 million” by the end of 2020.
Starstruck responded by releasing a statement alleging that Clarkson’s filing “conveniently ignores the fact that Kelly had her own licensed talent agency [Creative Artists Agency] at all times.”
“While Starstruck Management Group provided talent management services on her behalf, it did so at all times that CAA was her agency of record,” the statement read. “It is unfortunate that Kelly is again attempting to avoid paying commissions that are due and owing to Starstruck to try and achieve some perceived advantage in her ongoing custody and divorce proceedings.”
Clarkson claimed in her petition that both Brandon and Narvel are acting as unlicensed talent agents. She also alleged that the company has demanded “unconscionable fees and compensation” for “illegal services” and claims it gave her false information about engagements.
Clarkson went on to argue that Starstruck “failed to deposite a $50,000 surety bond with the Labor Commissioner.” She filed for divorce from Brandon back in June after spending seven years and having two children with him.
This piece originally appeared in UpliftingToday.com and is used by permission.
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